The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a News Release entitled “Canada’s Bishops Announce Indigenous Reconciliation Fund to Support Projects Across Canada”, which includes further details regarding the $30 million national fundraising commitment announced in September 2021. The Canadian Bishops have established a new charity to manage a national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, governed by a Board consisting of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It will have financial measures in place to ensure transparency.
The establishment of the national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund represents a tangible commitment by the Canadian Bishops and the Bishop of Victoria to support healing and reconciliation in Indigenous communities in Canada and in our Diocese. The national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund will oversee the stewardship of the fund and the development of key priorities to address healing and reconciliation initiatives. Most importantly, all funds committed by the Diocese of Victoria will be allocated to address specific needs identified locally, in consultation with Indigenous peoples.
An Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Granting Committee will soon be formed in the Diocese. The Diocese of Victoria has had a long history of relationships with Indigenous peoples ever since the first missionaries arrived on the West Coast. Within the Indigenous population of the Diocese there are three distinct linguistic groups (the Nuu-chah-nulth, the Coast Salish, and the Kwakwaka’wakw) comprising over fifty Nations, plus Métis communities, each with a Chief and Council. The Diocesan Committee will be comprised primarily of Indigenous people who will be responsible for identifying local priorities and projects, reviewing grant applications, and forwarding requests to the Fund, thereby providing meaningful input on local needs. Approved grants will be made by the national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund directly to the recipients.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria is committed to walk with Indigenous peoples along the long journey towards healing and reconciliation. The path we are called to travel, always with the help of the Creator, remains firm as we move forward in the light of a new tomorrow.
